asked the Prime Minister whether, in appointing men to permanent positions in the Civil Service, special consideration will be given, irrespective of conditions of appointment already issued, to men who have since discharge from the Army held temporary posts in the Civil Service and who are unsuited for their pre-war work owing to ill-health?

The arrangements which have been made will secure that to the fullest extent possible special consideration shall be given to the type of case to which the hon. and gallant Member refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in those cases in which membership of a trade union is a necessary and universal condition of em- ployment, the whole amount of the year's contribution to the trade union, and not merely that portion applicable to superannuation or funeral benefit, should be allowed as a deduction from the income assessable to income tax, as being an unavoidable and universally incurred expense without which the income could not be earned; and whether the Commissioners of Inland Revenue will issue general instructions on the point to all the surveyors of taxes?

So far as contributions to trade unions relate to superannuation or death benefits, they are admissible as deductions for Income Tax purposes as being in the nature of life insurance premiums. As regards, the other objects to which the contributions may be applied, the Income Tax Acts, do not permit a deduction for expenditure of such a character incurred by any individual, whether directly or through the medium of a trade union or any other association.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is proposed to start the long-promised exhaustive inquiry into the methods and conditions of the Income Tax; whether this inquiry is to take the form of a Royal Commission, a Departmental Committee, or a Select Committee of the House; and whether care will be taken that both women and labour are adequately represented among the members to be appointed?

It is proposed to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Income Tax almost immediately. The suggestion made in the last part of the question is not being lost sight of.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the increase in the cost of maintenance and repair of houses, he will consider the question of increasing the allowance made in the assessment of such property to Income Tax from one-sixth to one-third of the annual value, more especially in regard to houses of the annual rental value of £40 and under?

The point raised in this question is one which will have to be considered by the coming Royal Commission on the Income Tax. In these circumstances it would be premature to make any statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what augmentation of the Inland Revenue collecting staff has been rendered necessary owing to the Bank of England and Bank of Ireland ceasing to collect Income Tax from the interest paid on Government loans; what is the percentage of cases in which these disbursements of interest are never brought into account for Income Tax, and, assuming that they are all ultimately brought into account, what is the average period during which they have been outstanding, and how many millions of pounds are on the average so outstanding; and will he, whenever it becomes possible, revert to the nation's former practice of deduction of Income Tax at its source?

It is too early as yet for the Board of Inland Revenue to judge what additions to their technical and clerical staff will be required permanently to deal with the work to which my hon. Friend refers, and up to the present they have confined themselves to engaging some 300 temporary clerks. The change in the method of collection involves the postponement of the receipt of the tax by the Exchequer for an average period of rather more than fifteen months. I have no available data as to the percentage of cases which escape assessment or as to the amount of duty outstanding. I have noted the suggestion made by my hon. Friend in the last part of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Capital Issues Committee of the Treasury works in accord with the Committee of the Stock Exchange; and, if so, what the liaison system between the two authorities is?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Committee of the Stock Exchange is informed of all the decisions made by the Capital Issues Committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that suggestions have been made for the provision of pensions for workmen by means of contributory purchase by employers and men of war savings certifi- cates; and, if so, whether he can see his way to have this thoroughly investigated with a view to providing pensions at the age of sixty or sixty-five?

This matter is receiving consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to ask Parliament to amend the Currency and Bank Notes Act, 1914, so as to better provide for the security and convertibility of the notes issued under the Act; and, if not, whether he proposes to take any other steps for securing such objects?

The question is engaging my attention, but I do not think any immediate action on the basis suggested by my hon. Friend is either possible or desirable. A valuable interim Report on the position has been made by the Reconstruction Committee on Currency and the Foreign Exchanges, of which Lord Cunliffe is chairman, and their recommendations will be carefully considered. The Committee, however, clearly recognise that until demobilisation has been completed it is not practicable to bring their recommendations into operation. The note issue being at present fully covered either by gold or short-date British Government obligations, no question of improving the security can arise. The convertibility, on the other hand, must of course ultimately depend on the strength of the gold reserve, which in its turn depends on our power to attract gold to this country by means of a favourable trade balance. This can only be brought about by the restoration of our export trade, to the importance of which I need hardly say the Government are fully alive.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been paid by the Government out of public funds to shipowners in compensation for ships sunk by the enemy between 4th August, 1914, and the date of the Armistice; what is estimated to have been the original cost to the shipowners of these sunk ships; and whether any and, if so, how much taxation has been levied upon the sums paid to shipowners in this way in excess of the original cost?

I have been asked to answer this question. I assume that the hon. Member refers to British ships lost while under Government requisition and at direct Government risk, and does not include vessels insured in the Government War Risk Associations. The figures are:Amount paid, £104,031,271.First cost to owners, £51,116,806.In addition, £1,368,825 was paid in respect of twenty-five ships whose first cost is not known. There are also a few cases not yet settled.So far as I am aware no taxation is levied on these sums, which represent capital not income, and are required to replace the vessels. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, building costs are now from two to three times what they were before the War.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reasons of public policy or interest now justify the continuance of any restrictions upon the supply of spirits from bond?

I have been asked to reply. I can add nothing to the reply made on this subject to the hon. Member for Kettering on 14th February.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state when the present war restrictions upon the sale of wines and spirits are likely to be removed; and whether it is the intention of the Government to retain any of them permanently?

I have been asked to reply. There are no restrictions upon the sale of wines so far as relates to price or quantity. In the case of spirits, the restrictions affecting delivery from bond for home consumption are under the consideration of the War Cabinet. The prices of spirits are, moreover, controlled; and until it is certain that the removal of price restrictions would not result in an abnormal rise; these restrictions will be retained.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what restrictions, if any, are still imposed on the importation and sale of iron?

There are no restrictions on imports of iron and steel, but maximum prices are still enforced by the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what restrictions, if any, are still imposed on the importation and sale of paper?

The importation of paper is permitted only under licence. The amounts licensed have been increased by 50 per cent. since the signing of the Armistice. Paper importers are required to supply their customers in the same proportion.

asked the President of the Hoard of Trade whether any, and, if so, what restrictions are still imposed on the importation and sale of wood?

The purchase and importation of timber from abroad is still controlled, and there are maximum prices in the United Kingdom for imported softwood and mining timber as well as for home-grown timber. Dealing in timber in this country is otherwise unrestricted, except that pitwood may not be sent outside the colliery area in which it is situate without a permit. On 1st March the Timber Control Department will cease exercising any control over hardwoods and freer importation may be expected. No restrictions on timber will be retained longer than absolutely necessary. For further details I would refer my hon. Friend to the "Board of Trade Journal" For 23rd and 30th January, and 6th February, copies of which I am sending him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what restrictions, if any, are still imposed on the importation and sale of building materials?

There are no restrictions on the importation of bricks and cement, but practically none are imported. On the sale of cement there are no restrictions. The sale of bricks is subject to maximum prices, and a system of permits, administered by the Ministry of Munitions, but I am informed that it is proposed to remove these restrictions at once.

asked the Food Controller whether his attention has been called to the prices charged for all kinds of fish due almost entirely to the profits made by the owners of fishing boats; and whether he is aware that boats at Milford who in pre-war times made profits of 13 to 15 per cent. are now in receipt of over 400 per cent. profit?

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that there are 70 fishing boats at present lying idle in Milford Haven; and whether, seeing that their release for fishing purposes would secure a reduction in the price of fish, he will say if he has received a resolution unanimously passed by a meeting of fish distribution officers begging him to immediately order a large reduction in the price of fish; and whether he proposes to take action in the matter?

I am aware that a number of fishing vessels are lying at Milford and other ports in the United Kingdom, which are in the process of reconditioning as fishing vessels after being released by the Admiralty. I may say that on representations made by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and my own Department, the Admiralty are taking steps to release fishing vessels as quickly as possible. Following on the release of vessels, supplies of fish are continually increasing, and I am in hopes that as a result a reduction in the price of fish will be possible shortly. The profits made by the owners of fishing boats are being carefully watched, and steps will be taken to reduce prices as early as possible, having regard to the paramount necessity of maintaining supplies.

asked the Food Controller when full liberty will be granted to the consumer to deal where he pleases for tea and bacon; when restrictions on the sale of these articles of consumption will be removed; and when tea will be sold below a maximum price?

As regards tea, I can add nothing to the answer made to the hon. Member for South Hackney on 13th February. The de-control of bacon, which will include freedom to the consumer to deal where he pleases, is now being considered; and the Food Controller hopes to be able to make an early announcement on the subject.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the Government sold 86 chests of tea at public auction on the 6th instant at 1s. 8d. per lb.; that they had bought this tea at 7.7755d. per lb. at the port of shipment; and that after paying all charges there was a profit of 10d. or 11d. per lb. to the Government; and when the Government propose to withdraw the Regulation which authorises these transactions?

I have no knowledge of the particular parcel of tea to which the hon. Member refers, but I am aware that teas purchased by the Ministry of Food have been sold at public auction for export at the price stated. If the hon. Member will supply the mark and grade of the tea I will have the actual figures in this case ascertained. Any profit accruing to the Government from sales for export is used in reducing the selling price of tea for the benefit of the British consumer. The Ministry of Food will cease to sell tea for export as soon as there is sufficient quantity of tea imported on private account to enable export sales to be resumed.

asked the Food Controller whether it is by his order that farmers are not to be supplied with maize unless they buy foreign imported beans at the same time; whether such an order is contrary to the regulations made under the Defence of the Realm Act; and under what powers does he make such an order?

In view of the surplus stock of beans and the deficit of maize, beans are now being sold for feeding in conjunction with maize in the proportion of 10 per cent. and 90 per cent. This decision was made in order to economise maize; but it is hoped that the increasing supplies of this cereal together with the larger supplies of home-grown oats will shortly make a continuance of this policy unnecessary. The Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies is authorised under Royal Warrant to sell and control the delivery of maize and all pulses and substitutes therefore, and generally to take such steps as may seem desirable for maintaining supplies.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the less close milling of wheat does not affect the quality of the bran now being put on the markets; how he justifies the raising to farmers of the controlled price from £13 to £14 10s. a ton; and will he also consider the injustice of charging farmers 1s. 9d. a sack or 35s. a ton additional to the £14 10s.?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Shortly after the Armistice, when the extraction from wheat for flour was materially reduced, an increase in price of the fine offals was considered to be more than justified by the improved quality of the product. Since that date, however, the supplies of feeding-stuffs have been materially increased, and the stocks of offals, particularly of bran, in millers' hands have somewhat accumulated, and therefore the price of bran has been reduced £1 per ton, namely, to £13 10s. per ton. The price of bags has also been carefully considered, and a charge at the rate of 25s. per ton, if sold in sacks or bags containing 1 cwt. or less; at 20s. per ton, if sold in sacks or bags containing more than 1 cwt., has been fixed as from 10th February last. These changes are only made in respect of millers' offals sold gross weight, sacks or bags included.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware of the low-grade quality of imported frozen or chilled meat which continues to be sold to the general public; will he say what was the total quantity of meat purchased, either directly from the United States or through American firms operating in other countries, during the year 1918; and of this, how many thousands of tons still remain for consumption?

The total quantity of meat purchased during the year 1918 in the United States was 282,000 tons, of which about 28,000 tons is still in stock in this country, and a further 24,000 tons is awaiting shipment. I am unable to give similar information with regard to the amount of meat acquired from American firms operating in other countries, since the greater part of this meat was purchased for and consumed by the, Allied Armies. I am informed that the quality of imported frozen or chilled meat has recently improved.

asked she Food Controller whether he is aware that the Federated Trade Commission on the meat-packing industry in the United States reported, in July of last year, that the evidence brought before them disclosed an intricate fabric of monopolies, controls, combinations, conspiracies, and restraints, and that the meat-packing industry of the country was in the hands of five firms who controlled the price at which meat should be sold to the consumer or for export; and whether he intends to appoint a committee to investigate how far the operations of these firms is responsible for the high price and shortage of meat to our home population?

The Food Controller has seen the statements referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, and is in consultation, with the President of the Board of Trade with a view to taking such action as may be deemed desirable. I would state, however, that the price at which meat was to be sold for export was not fixed by the packing firms, but by the United States Food Administration, and was the same as that paid for meat purchased on behalf of the Government of the United States. I may, perhaps, add that a committee appointed by the Ministry of Reconstruction to consider the provision of safeguards against monopolies and trusts so far as they affect this country has been taking evidence for some months and its report may be expected almost immediately.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that five firms, Swift, Armour, Morris, Cudahy, and Wilson, who control the meat industry in the United States and South America, are directly represented in Great Britain by fifteen firms mostly trading under names that imply no connection with their American principals; and can he say what proportion of the meat imported into this country is handled by those fifteen American subsidiary concerns?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part, therefore, does not arise. I may say, however, that all meat imported into this country from the United States of America is purchased at the same prices as are charged to the American Government, and is distributed under the direction of the Food Controller.

asked the Food Controller if he will state the quantities of foodstuffs, notably meat (including bacon), grain, sugar, and tea, purchased during the War and now held by his Department; the prices paid for those stocks; the prices or methods by which it is proposed to dispose of them; and indicate the policy his Department or the Government proposes to follow with regard to these stocks?

A Memorandum has already been promised showing the stocks of the principal foodstuffs held by the Ministry of Food. I hope to supplement this by particulars as to the average cost of these stocks. With regard to the latter portion of the question, a Committee is considering the price at which the stocks in question shall be disposed of, and it has been determined, with the concurrence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that such prices may be below those at which the stocks were acquired. I may, however, point out that it would be clearly unwise to lower prices for existing stocks, unless there were a reasonable prospect of being able to maintain these lower prices in the immediate future.

asked the Food Controller if the small increase in the beer supply is all that may be expected; and whether he will make a statement which will allay the unrest to which the continuance of a reduced supply is everywhere giving rise?

I can add nothing to the reply made on this subject to the hon. Member for Kettering on 14th February.

asked the Food Controller whether it is intended to wind up the Sugar Commission at an early date; and, if so, why this course is to be taken?

It is not proposed to terminate the control exercised by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply until conditions in respect of freight and exchange make it possible for the trade to undertake the supply without risk of failure to secure sufficient quantities of sugar to meet the requirements of this country.

asked the Food Controller whether the Government has yet settled the fate of his Department; if it is to be wound up; and, if so, in whose interest?

Under Section 13 of the New Ministries and Secretaries Act, 1916, the office of Food Controller, and the Ministry of Food, will cease to exist on the termination of a period of twelve months after the conclusion of the present War, or such earlier date as may be fixed by His Majesty in Council.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland have requested the Treasury to allow the substitution of the average attendances in the quarters ending September and December, 1917, for the averages of the corresponding quarters in 1918 in view of the abnormally low attendances in 1918 due to the influenza epidemic; and, if so, whether the Treasury will accede to this request?

The Treasury have agreed to regulations designed to prevent a reduction in the emoluments of teachers as a result of the diminution of attendances due to the epidemic of influenza.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a part of the unrest in Ireland is due to seditious teaching carried on in schools which are under the control of the National Board; what steps he proposes to take to prevent State-supported schools from disseminating seditious opinions; and whether national school teachers in Ireland have been asked to take the oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that in view of statements which were made in 1916 after the insurrection in Easter week as to the disloyalty of national school teachers the Commissioners inquired from their inspectors whether they had observed any evidence of seditious teaching in the schools. The reports of the inspectors showed that there were no grounds for concluding that disloyal ideas were inculcated to any appreciable extent. Should any case of the character suggested by the question be brought under the notice of the Commissioners they will cause inquiry to be made with a view to taking such measures as may be necessary for the prevention of the dissemination of seditious opinions. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the use in the Irish national schools of certain seditious text-books of history has been prohibited; and, if so, whether a list of such books has been issued and published for the information of inspectors, managers, and teachers?

In 1916, as a result of a special examination of the text-books on history then authorised to be used in national schools, the Commissioners of National Education withdrew sanction from three of these works because, in addition to containing many inaccuracies in matters of detail, the presentment of historical facts in these books was, in their opinion, misleading and open to reasonable objection on political grounds. No list of such books has been issued, but the inspectors were duly advised that sanction had been withdrawn from them. It is not the practice to give general intimation to managers and teachers when sanction for books is withdrawn, as under Rule 124 (b) the books to be used in each national school are submitted to the inspectors for approval at the beginning of each school year, and no books other than those so approved are permitted to be used in the schools.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that the Irish Intermediate Commissions annually appoint as superintendents gentlemen who have no con- nection with teaching or with secondary education and that, in consequence, many duly-qualified secondary teachers are unable to obtain such appointments, he will represent to the Commissioners the desirability of giving such appointments to duly-qualified secondary teachers only, so that moneys voted by Parliament for educational purposes may not be paid over to gentlemen selected by the Commissioners who are not engaged in any way in teaching?

For many years it has been the policy of the Intermediate Education Board to appoint as superintendents when vacancies occurred only persons actually engaged in teaching. The great majority of the superintendents actually employed last year were teachers. The Board, however, have not seen fit to dispense with the services of supertendents who were appointed for the first time before they had adopted the policy of confining these positions to persons actually engaged in teaching.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the White Paper relating to the Duke Grant for Irish education contained a promise of retiring allowances for junior assistant mistresses; and, if so, what steps have been or will be taken in the matter.

This matter is at present under the consideration of the Treasury.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has received any complaints from Portsmouth regarding the discharge of women from His Majesty's dockyard; whether he is aware that those women are being discharged faster than work can be found for them; and whether he will consider the advisability of extending the time for further discharges?

We have received complaints. But my hon. Friend will realise that it has become necessary to effect reductions in the number of workpeople employed in the Royal dockyard and naval establishments during the War.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps have been taken for the discharge of the teachers serving as temporary schoolmasters in the Navy, whoso services are required in the children's schools; what is the number and what is the proportion to the total who have been already discharged or demobilised; whether the proportion of temporary schoolmasters so released is as great as that of other ratings; and whether the Admiralty will take steps to quicken the demobilisation or discharge of these teachers, and so enable the educational service of the local educational authorities to be as quickly as possible brought up to its former strength?

I would remind my hon. Friend that teachers serving in the Royal Navy as temporary schoolmasters are actually engaged in the exercise of their profession, and are therefore not in the same position as regards demobilisation as members of the teaching profession who are serving in other capacities. Steps have been taken to release as many as can possibly be spared, having regard to naval educational requirements, priority of release being given to those who are claimed as pivotal men by the Board of Education. The number serving on the 29th January was 233, and the number ordered to be demobilised is 150. Of these, about 100 have already been re- leased, and the remainder will go within the next ten days. The proportion released is greater than that of the ratings. As regards those serving otherwise than in their professional capacity, orders were given in December last for officers and men who were teachers to be demobilised if they wished, subject to the requirements of the Service, but as their classification in Industrial Group 43 comprises both students and teachers, the number of teachers included in the total number of this group who have been released, namely, 775 up to the 11th February, cannot be stated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the provision that men who joined the Colours before 1st January, 1916, are to be demobilised applies to men discharged on medical grounds before that date who are now serving on a subsequent attestation?

The answer is in the affirmative, provided they had joined the Colours for immediate or continuous service prior to 1st January, 1916.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a soldier of over thirty-seven years of age who voluntarily enlisted under the Derby scheme before the end of 1915, and who was not called up until after January, 1916, is now detained because he had not joined up for duty before 1st January, 1916?

I am not aware that this is the case. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that under existing Regulations men who have attained the age of thirty-seven are eligible for demobilisation and these men are now being demobilised as the exigencies of the Service permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the men of the 75th Divisional Signalling Company are being retained with the forces in order to perform civilian work between Egypt and Palestine and Syria; whether the 75th Division is camped within fifty yards of the Kantara Signal Office, and that in order to keep signallers fully and unnecessarily employed the Divisional authorities have set up a signal tent next to the Kantara Signal Office; whether messages are transmitted by wire when they could be dealt with more expeditiously by messengers; whether, although none of the brigades are half a mile from the Divisional Headquarters, all messages are sent to them by wire; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to the release of at least fifty of these men, whose services are needed by the authorities in this country?

Inquiries are being made from the authorities in Egypt, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will publish in a convenient form the new Regulations as to demobilisation and send copies to the offices of the war pensions committees and other suitable places, where they can be obtained free of charge by soldiers and their relatives and dependants?

Full particulars of the existing Regulations have already been widely published in the Press. Soldiers requiring any further information can obtain it from their commanding officers, who are in possession of full instructions.

asked the Secretary of State for War why delay has occurred in demobilising one-man business men who have not left the United Kingdom and are doing little or no good in the Army; and why men due for demobilisation when on leave are made to travel long distances to certain depots and stations in order to satisfy routine requirements before they are actually released from military service?

My hon. Friend will be aware from the recent Army Order, making provision for the composition of the Armies of Occupation, that the fact that a man is the proprietor of a one-man business is not of itself sufficient to render him eligible for demobilisation unless he is otherwise eligible under the Army Order. With regard to the second part of the question, men are sent to the Dispersal Station which is nearest to their address, and I do not think any other method of release would further minimise travelling.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the sum allowed to soldiers on discharge for the purchase of an overcoat; if a standard price has been fixed for overcoats; if so, what is the amount; what is the cost of the military overoats now supplied no the Army; and if he will take steps immediately with a view to increasing the allowance under this head to an amount sufficient to enable the men to obtain clothing of a satisfactory and serviceable quality?

Civilian greatcoats are given to men discharged is physically unfit for further service. They are not issuable to men dispersed on demobilisation, who go away in their Army greatcoats. The soldier entitled to a civilian greatcoat is issued with a coat in kind, but if he declares that he is in possession of a greatcoat of his own, and prefers an allowance in cash, he gets 40s. In these circumstances, it is not considered necessary to increase the allowance. The cost of the civilian greatcoat to the State is 44s. 3d. The cost of the military overcoat is 49s. 6d.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether improvements can be made in the arrangements for bringing home soldiers who have been demobilised in France and to shorten the time taken or the journey which at the present time takes at least a week?

At present the difficulties of transportation in France and Belgium are very great, but every effort is being made to effect improvements. In some instances the train journey overseas, under existing circumstances, takes five days, and in such cases it is conceivable that at least a week would be occupied in reaching the Dispersal Station in this country. These, however, are extreme instances, but in other cases the journey is much shorter and many men have been demobilised in this country and proceeded to their homes on the same day that they left, their units in France.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the hardships to which many of our troops are being subjected on their journey home from France, which are causing illness amongst officers and men, can be remedied?

The military authorities are fully alive to the discomforts which the men have to endure on the long and slow railway journeys, and endea- vours are being made to improve conditions. Only one case has been brought to the notice of the War Office where a soldier has fallen ill on the journey owing to the hardships.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Army of Occupation will retain men of over thirty-seven years of age and who joined the Colours 1st January, 1916; and whether, seeing that the Derby scheme secured men for the forces under the promise that they would be released at the cessation of hostilities, any steps will be taken to release these men, many of them married men with families and who have served overseas?

In reply to the first part of my hon. Friend's question, these men are being demobilised as the exigencies of the Service permit. With regard to the second part, men who attested under the Derby scheme will be demobilised if they are eligible for demobilisation under the recent Army Orders making provision for the composition of the Armies of Occupation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men of over thirty-seven years of age belonging to the Expeditionary Force (Canteen Section) of the Royal Army Service Corps are to be retained with the Colours; and whether it would be now possible to employ civilian labour in Expeditionary Force canteen establishments at home and abroad?

In canteen establishments at home the only form of labour employed has been civilian from the commencement of the War. Demobilisation Regulations which are at present in force for the Army are equally applicable to the Royal Army Service Corps (Canteen Section). The question of employment of civilian labour in Expeditionary Force canteen establishments abroad has been given serious consideration, but up to the present time the employment of such labour has not been thought practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an arrangement has been made by which a certain number of chartered accountants possessing special qualifications and assured of em- ployment shall be immediately demobilised, the list of those selected for such demobilisation to be settled through the Institute of Chartered Accountants; and whether, in the case of a man recommended for release under such arrangement whose contract letter has been forwarded to the Ministry of Labour, the adjutant of the unit in which he is serving is competent to refuse to forward the application for release and to decide that the man shall be retained in the Army during demobilisation?

Yes, Sir. An arrangement was made between the Ministry of Labour and the Institute of Chartered Accountants under which a certain number of chartered accountants have been registered by the War Office before the 1st February, 1919, as pivotal men, and are being given special priority in demobilisation. The adjutant of a unit is not competent to refuse to forward an application for release if the soldier concerned is eligible for demobilisation under the recent Army Orders making provision for the composition of the armies of occupation.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to recall from the Army Sapper George Castledine, No. 268001, Signals Headquarters, Royal Engineers, Tank Corps, British Expeditionary Force, in order that he may resume charge of the post office at Arkwright Street, Nottingham, which is still closed, to the inconvenience of the public?

I regret it is not possible to make special application for the demobilisation of Sapper Castledine. The number of men for whom the Post Office has been able to make special application is limited and the list is now closed.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Holt Committee recommended that the whole period of service with K Company, where it is followed by established service in the Post Office, should be treated as Post Office service for the purpose of computing civil pension; whether the Holt Committee was appointed to adjudicate on this and similar questions; and whether he will consult the Law Officers of the Crown as to the legality of the Government's action in refusing to carry out a verdict of this examining body?

asked the Postmaster General why the time of postal servants serving in K Company, Royal Engineers, does not count towards their civil pensions?

The matter referred to has been carefully considered, and the Treasury are unable to accept the recommendation of the Holt Committee. There can be no question as to the legality of the decision arrived at, and there is, consequently, no need to consult the Law Officers. The Treasury have no power to count for civil pension unpensionable military service in K Company.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can avoid the further court-martialling of conscientious objectors who have been two or more years in prison and have served their sentences by granting such men indefinite furlough when returned to their unit?

No, Sir; I am afraid my hon. and gallant Friend has not considered the effect his proposal would have upon the Army generally if such furlough was granted to these men and withheld from those who have done their duty.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to remove a sense of injustice among Regular soldiers, he will arrange that an Army Council Instruction be issued to the effect that any soldier serving continuously on a normal Army engagement who has, since 4th August, 1914, re-engaged or agreed to continue in the Service and who has thereby forfeited service pay, will resume service pay as from the date he ceased to draw it, and will retain it until the declaration of peace?

Service pay is a moribund emolument. It is laid down in the Pay Warrant that soldiers who enter on a new engagement must give up service pay and accept the current emoluments in lieu, and I regret that I see no cause to depart from this rule in the cases cited by my Noble Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the discontent existing in the Railway Operating Corps owing to the excessive hours being worked in France; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the same?

I am not aware of any discontent among the men of the Railway Operating Corps from the cause mentioned in the first part of my hon. Friend's question, but the desire to be quickly demobilised, and the idea that the Railway Operating Division will be among the last to leave France, have led to some dissatisfaction. The hours of duty generally of these troops are eight hours per day. The hours of the train men, i.e.,drivers, firemen, and guards, are dependent largely upon the state of the road railway, which has a tendency to become congested. In the case of an excess of eight hours being worked, equivalent time off duty is allowed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to recommend His Majesty to exercise the prerogative of pardon in all cases of soldiers under punishment or liable to punishment for military offences committed during the War?

I am afraid I cannot make any statement on this matter at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that large numbers of the scroll of honour to be presented to the, next-of-kin of those who have fallen in the war were ready for the engraving of the names in October last; how many have been completed by the scribes during the past four months; and when delivery of the completed scroll to relatives of the deceased will be begun?

A number of blank scrolls were available at the end of October last but no scrolls have yet been completed, and I regret that it is impossible to indicate definitely the date on which delivery will begin. A large amount of time and labour is involved in ascertain- ing and verifying the correct next-of-kin. In the case of other than commissioned ranks this work will be done by record offices, and at present they are fully occupied with work connected with demobilisation and cannot deal with the scroll until demobilisation slackens.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what is the whole strength of the British force operating on territory which was in 1914 Russian; and whether any, and, if so, how many, Indian troops are included in the total;(2) how many British troops, including those from India or the Dominions, are now employed in any part of the territory of what used to be the Russian Empire; and when it is proposed to withdraw them?

As the Bolshevik forces are at present engaged in an offensive against British, Allied and Russian troops who are protecting the territory of the North Russian Government, it is not possible to give replies to these questions without conveying useful information to the Bolsheviks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Women's Auxiliary Services, both military and air, are governed by the King's Regulations, or whether special regulations govern the discipline of the women's services; and, if the latter, whether copies of such special Regulations are available to the public and to members of the respective women's services?

The discipline of the members of Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps and the Women's Royal Air Force is governed by special Regulations. As regards the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, copies of the Regulations are accessible to all members of these services, and to any other persons interested.

asked the Secretary of State for War why officers who have served in the ranks before receiving a commission should not receive a gratuity for their services in the ranks?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Army Order published in the Press on Thursday last, in which it is laid down that a gratuity will be granted for such services.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of Army schoolmistresses who retired on pension before being able to qualify for the present retiring allowance which came into effect in April, 1902; whether he is aware that these schoolmistresses are only receiving from 2s. to 2s. 6d. a day, and that, in view of the increased cost of living, it is impossible for them to exist on this allowance; and whether he will consider the possibility of making any increased allowance to these ladies, who have given the best part of their lives in the service of the State?

There are 114 Army schoolmistresses in receipt of pensions awarded before April, 1902. The question of increasing civil pensions awarded long ago is one which cannot be considered with reference to this class alone. In its more general application it was dealt with in the reply given by my hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury on the 13th instant to the hon. Member for Dulwich.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that French, Belgian, and Italian officers are now allowed to have their wives at the base where they are stationed; whether the order forbidding English wives to join their husbands is still in force; and, if so, whether he will consider the possibility of varying it so as to bring it into conformity with that of the Allies?

The order forbidding the wives of English officers to join their husbands is still in force as regards the base ports, though the restriction has been removed as regards certain places in the zone of the Armies. The possibility of allowing further relaxations of the order is at present receiving consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War what the pensions payable in respect of children of private soldiers and warrant officers killed in the War are, respectively?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The pensions payable in respect of the children of privates, non-commissioned officers and warrant officers of the Army are the same, namely:—6s. 8d. a week for the first child.5s. a week for the second child, and4s. 2d. a week each child after the second.If the children are, or become, motherless the rates are 10s. a child, or 9s. 2d. for each child after the first if two or more are being maintained in the same household or institution. To these figures must be added the present war bonus of 20 percent.

asked the Secretary of State for War why separation allowance is not issued to the wives of men in agricultural companies in cases where the men are able to live with their families, thus causing considerable hardship?

These men are living at home, and they receive the full civil wage for their work and a slight additional payment from Army funds. In these circumstances, it is not considered that any hardship is caused by the non-payment of separation allowances.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether members of the Interpreters' Corps, though subject to the same military discipline as other commissioned officers, receive the benefit of allowances for children, rations, or bonus at the end of service; and, if not, whether, seeing that members of this corps, besides their technical duties of interpreting, have to do much ordinary military duty, he will have the matter reconsidered, in order that they may be placed in the same position as other commissioned officers?

Interpreters in prisoners of war camps, to whom I understand the question to refer, are paid at special quasi-civilian rates of pay, not carrying rations, children's allowances or the gratuities given under the Pay Warrant to officers paid at Warrant rates. In this respect they are in the same position as several other classes of officers; but I will consider whether there are any sufficiently special features in their case to warrant any modification.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if Income Tax is charged on officers' allowances in respect of children; what is the amount of the allowance with and without Income Tax deducted; and if, as the allowance is based on the minimum amount considered necessary for the maintenance of the child, he will take steps to exempt these payments from taxation and to meet cases in which up to now such allowances have been taxed?

The rate of allowance is £2 per month per child, up to a total of £96 per annum, for officers not above the rank of captain. Majors receive an allowance at half the above rate. The War Office has no option but to carry out the law in matters of taxation. Any representations as to change in the law should be made to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of this Exchequer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to recommend the remission of Income Tax on the lump sums being paid as gratuity to officers in respect of their several years of war service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on this subject on Thursday last.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why the father, mother, and sister of Rifleman James Campbell, No. 6223, Royal Irish Rifles, who reside at 7, Downshire Court, Newry, and are dependent upon him, are allowed only 6d. a day for maintenance, which is deducted from Campbell's pay; whether he is aware that Campbell has served in the present War in Salonika, the Dardanelles, Serbia, and Macedonia, and was wounded, and that he previously served in India and South Africa; whether his allowance to his father, mother, and sister was 12s. a week when he was earning pay as a military telegraphist, but that the War Office refused to continue that allowance; whether he is further aware that his father is eighty years of age and his mother over seventy years of age, and that his sister's husband died on active service, and has a large family entirely dependent on her; and whether the allowance of 12s. a week will now be paid to his relatives and made retrospective, as requested by Campbell?

Inquiries are being made into this case, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether many men in Egypt have had no home leave; whether lack of transport is still the reason; and whether, seeing that these men were conveyed in cruisers when they were transported to Egypt, he will use a similar means of bringing them home?

I regret no figures are available in the War Office to enable me to reply definitely to the first part of my right hon. Friend's question but, since the signing of the Armistice, over 500 officers and nearly 4,000 other ranks have been brought home on leave from Egypt. As I stated on Thursday last, all men who enlisted before the 1st January, 1916, are being demobilised as rapidly as possible in accordance with the new scheme (subject only to certain exceptions which are set out in the scheme). The whole of the shipping accommodation available is being mode use of for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a soldier now serving in the Australian Force now at Tripoli, in Palestine, could be sent to England for his sixty days' leave before being returned to Australia to be demobilised?

Sanction has recently been given for a limited number of soldiers serving with the Australian Imperial Force in Egypt to be granted leave to the United Kingdom. This concession will apply only to those who have not been to the United Kingdom, and priority will be given to men who have relatives in this country. The selection of individuals for the privilege will rest with the military authorities in Egypt.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the corpse of Private F. Morris, who enlisted as Jones, No. 28360, 1st Royal Scots, and had twenty-four years' continuous service, including three years and four months in the present War in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Dardannelles, was sent to his widow in Glasgow in a plain unvarnished box and packed in sawdust; that the widow had to pay 4s. 6d. to Maryhill for a firing party; what steps does he propose to take to prevent similar occurrences; and whether the cost of the firing party will be refunded to the widow and suitable compensation paid?

This case had previously been brought to notice, but the investigations are not yet complete. It has, however, been ascertained that the body was laid out by the hospital orderlies and placed in the coffin by the undertaker. A Court of Inquiry has been held, and the arrangements made were fully gone into. The undertaker gave evidence, and the Court were satisfied that he carried out the terms of his contract in the provision of the coffin and that it was properly and decently furnished. The layer of sawdust was according to instructions given to the undertaker, and the shroud supplied was of the form in common use in the South of England. Nothing is known of the alleged charge of 4s. 6d. for the firing party, but inquiries are being made into this point.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many officers and men originally reported as missing have been discovered among the British prisoners interned in Germany; and what steps are being taken to institute a thorough search, both in Germany and in territory hitherto occupied by the enemy, to ascertain where the said men are, if alive, or, if dead, when and where and how they died?

Apart from recent captures, where there was not sufficient time for reports as prisoner of war to be received before the Armistice, no case is known of a prisoner of war who was in Germany and who has been repatriated without his existence as a prisoner being known to the authorities in this country. There is no reason to suppose that any of the missing are to be found in Germany. In the unlikely event of any being there, I would refer to the measures detailed in a reply to the hon. Member for Twickenham on Thursday last, which are designed to trace the residue of the prisoners at present unaccounted for. In addition, the battlefields are systematically searched by the Graves Registration units. I would also refer my hon. and learned Friend to the general statement on this subject published in the Press on the 4th January last.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps, if any, have been taken to try and trace missing prisoners of war?

As regards the steps taken in Germany, I would refer to the reply given on Thursday last by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Twickenham. Active steps have been taken by the High Commissioner to trace all missing prisoners of war in Turkey, but owing to the difficulties of communications this must take a considerable time. The number of missing prisoners of war in Bulgaria is small: the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief at Salonika has been instructed to make every possible investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that when a discharged or disabled soldier who is under twenty-one applies for a post in the Army Ordnance Department of the War Office he is employed and paid as a boy and not as a man until he attains twenty-one; whether this result is due to the wording of paragraph 7 of the Regulations for Civilian Subordinates, 1914; and whether he will take steps to have this Regulation altered so that discharged and disabled soldiers under twenty-one may be employed and paid as men and not as boys?

I am obliged to my hon. and learned Friend for drawing my attention to this point and will give it immediate consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the following equipment of the German armies, namely, 5,000 guns (2,500 heavy and 2,500 field), 25,000 machine guns, 3,000 trench, mortars, l,700 aeroplanes, 5,000 locomotives, 150,000 wagons, and 5,000 motor lorries, all of which, under the terms of the original Armistice, were to be surrendered in good condition to the Allies and the United States within 36 days from the 11th November, 1918, have been actually surrendered, and, if not all delivered, how many of each have been delivered; and what steps have been taken to ensure complete fulfilment of the Armistice in respect of the above equipment?

The following equipment of the German armies had been surrendered up to the 9th February, 1919:—

Heavy guns	Complete.
Field guns	Complete (with the exception that a proportion are not in good condition).
Machine gnus	Complete.
Trench mortars	Complete.
Aeroplanes	Complete.
Locomotives	4,065.
Wagons	126,836.
Motor lorries	1,226 (this figure is the number surrendered up to the 14th February to the British authorities, and does not include those handed over to our Allies).

The question as to the necessary steps to be taken to ensure complete fulfilment of the Armistice terms in respect of this equipment is at present under consideration by the Allies.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the decoration of the 1915 star awarded for active service in 1914–15 on the various fronts has been given to the Royal Medical Corps serving in Egypt and has been withheld from those similarly serving in Malta; whether Malta was one of the principal hospital bases for Gallipoli; whether Egypt also was a hospital base for wounded evacuated from Gallipoli; if the personnel serving at the base hospitals in France received this decoration; and if he will state what are the grounds that led to this difference?

The question of whether Malta should be considered to be a theatre, of war in so far as the award of the "1914–15 Star" is concerned is at present under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the services of German prisoners of war are being lent to private employers in the neighbourhood of Kingsbridge, Devon, on cartage work and other agricultural work; if so, can he state the conditions under which these men are employed and whether any payment is made to the Department by the employers; and whether he is aware that these prisoners have been given preference before local unemployed labour?

Telegraphic inquiries into this question are being made, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Royal Engineer storemen, who are appointed at the rate of 23s. per week, have received increases during the War totalling only 13s. per week, although the cost of living has risen 100 per cent.; whether he is aware that these men have only been able to manage through being allowed to work overtime, and that now all overtime has ceased; and whether he will have these men's rates of wages reviewed?

The rates of pay of Royal Engineer storemen were reviewed in December last, and an instruction was issued basing their rates on the local rate of wages of building trade labourers at the particular station. If the hon. Member knows of any case in which Royal Engineer storemen have received a war advance of only 13s. the matter will be inquired into if he will furnish particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether soldiers in the Regular Army who have been prisoners of war and unable to extend their service so as to complete twenty-one years' service are now to be allowed to do so?

There is no intention of debarring any soldier from extending his service or re-engaging on the ground that he has been a prisoner of war, and in no case, so far as I am aware, has such an application been refused by the War Office.

asker the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he is aware that the emergency aeroplane landing ground at Freethorpe, in the county of Norfolk, has not been used for any aeronautical or military purposes more than once in the last eighteen months; that the land is excellent corn-growing land, and if permission is granted could still be cultivated and a crop grown for the coming harvest; and whether he will at once take steps to have this land handed back to the farmer for the purpose of being put under cultivation?

This land was required in connection with the scheme of defence against enemy air raids, and steps have been taken with a view to its immediate restoration for agricultural use.

asked the Minister of Munitions what the cost of the works of construction at the North Weald Bassett Aerodrome has so far been; whether the contractor has been paid by commission on the total outlay; and what was the percentage he received?

The approximate cost of the work has been £75,000. The contractor is remunerated by a commission of 4 per cent. This is based not on the total outlay, but on the prime cost, which excludes, among other items, any general rise of wages subsequent to the date of the contract.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is aware that there are in British East Africa tracts of land not at present under cultivation which might profitably be given to discharged soldiers; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

A scheme of soldier settlement in British East Africa has been considered for some time by a local commission of inquiry, whose report is understood to be on the way home. On the receipt of the report, and the Governor's views on it, the matter will receive the most careful consideration, and a public statement will be made as soon as possible. I ought to say, however, that the information already available indicates the probability of an insufficiency of native labour to meet the requirements of a very large immediate influx of settlers, and affords no justification for the idea that East Africa, in present circumstances, offers reasonable prospects of success to men without substantial capital.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any information has been obtained as to the fate of Mr. H. S. Siehrawady, who was studying Russian at Moscow at the outbreak of the War?

Information has been received from persons recently returned from Moscow that an Indian whose name as given by them, resembles Suhrawardy was alive in that city when they left.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether European subordinate police officers who joined the I.A.R.O. will receive preferential treatment in respect of enlistment into the Indian police?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the claims of these officers will be considered by the Indian authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for India, if he will lay upon the Table as full a statement of the views of the Indian Provincial Government on the scheme of constitutional reform for India as he may deem consistent at the present time with the public interest?

I hope in due course to receive the reports of the Provincial Governments and the views of the Government of India thereon, together with the reports of Lord Southborough's committees. These documents will be presented to Parliament.

asked the Home Secretary what steps are being taken to deal with the British wives and children of Germans who are sent to Germany against their will?

The rule is that British-born wives and children of Germans are not sent out of this country against their will.

asked the Home Secretary whether German women are yet being sent back to Germany against their will; and, if so, whether any exceptions are made in favour of aged, or invalids, or children, or those of high social position?

German women are being repatriated to Germany in cases where the Advisory Committee has advised in favour of repatriation. Exceptions are made by the Committee in favour of aged, invalids, and children, but there is no discrimination in favour of persons of high social position.

asked the Home Secretary what is the number of enemy aliens at present interned in this country; how many have been repatriated since the Armistice was signed; and if steps are being taken to arrange for the early repatriation of the remainder?

I beg to refer to the answers which I gave on Thursday last to similar questions put by the hon. Members for Twickenham and St. Rollox, which show that the figures asked for are 18,607 and 6,132, and that repatriation is being carried out as quickly as shipping facilities permit.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will issue an Order permitting the free inspection by any British citizen of the local registers of aliens at polite stations?

I think it is necessary to adhere to the established practice that these registers are not available for public inspction, but that the police are authorised to inform inquirers who show good reason for their inquiry whether or not a particular individual is registered as an alien friend or an alien enemy, as the case may be.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will take immediate steps to stop the issue to aliens of British Board of Trade certificates both for navigation officers and engineers; and (2) if he will immediately cause to be issued an Order for the cancelling of all British Board of Trade certificates issued to enemy aliens?

The whole question of the employment of aliens in British industries in which their employment may be undesirable on national grounds is receiving consideration, and the question of the employment of aliens on British ships is being dealt with as a part of the general question. Enemy aliens have not been allowed to receive Bhitish certificates, or to serve on British ships, during the War.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the proposed policy of the Government to throw open the Civil Service to soldiers who have served in the War, the position of permanent clerks employed before the War who have been serving with His Majesty's Forces will receive his first consideration?

Civil servants who have been serving with His Majesty's Forces are entitled to return to their civil posts, and in the filling of any vacancies in the Home Office the first consideration will naturally be given to clerks on the permanent staff.

asked the Home Secretary if he will issue a regulation to provide that in the case of an officer who has been on active service during the War and is applying for the position of chief or deputy-chief constable of a county or borough, the period of his service may be deducted from his age, having regard to the provisions of the Police Act restricting applications to candidates under 40 years of age?

The Home Office rule which applies only to counties and not to boroughs fixes the maximum age for appointment at forty-five, but provides for exceptions being made under special circumstances. As war service can properly be regarded as a special circumstance for the purposes of this rule, I do not think the suggested amendment of the rule is necessary.

asked the Home Secretary if he will issue a table showing the reduction in the convictions for drunkenness in each county or district during each of the six months from 1st January, 1915, distinguishing the districts which have been subject to orders of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) and those in which, in each of the half-yearly periods, no orders of the Board were in force?

I will have the figures desired by the hon. Member set out so far as it is possible to do so, and will send him a copy when completed.

asked the Home Secretary if he can give any indication when the War restrictions on working men's social clubs can be removed and the clubs restored to their pre-war regulations?

I can make no statement on this subject at present.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Report of the Local Government Committee of the Ministry of Reconstruction which recommended abolition of boards of guardians and suggested the abolition of the Poor Law made no recommendation that the bodies substituted for the guardians to deal with the various sections of the necessitous poor should be under any legal obligation to give them relief; whether he will take care that any Bill introduced by him for transferring the duties of guardians, either as a whole or with regard to the sick only, shall preserve the right to necessary relief given by 43 Eliz., c. 2, to the poor and will make it the legal duty of any bodies substituted for the guardians to give necessary relief to the poor just as it is now the duty of the guardians; and whether he will further provide that some officer of the substituted bodies shall be under the same personal responsibility for giving necessary relief as the relieving officer now is under the Poor Law Amendment Act, 1834, and the Poor Law Orders?

The points mentioned by the hon. Member will not be lost sight of in any proposals which may be made for legislation transferring the functions of boards of guardians to other authorities.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the fact that at the forthcoming elections for urban district councils some of the councils will be wholly re-elected and others will be renewed only to the extent of one-third; and whether, in view of the fact that there has been no election for five years, he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to provide that all the councillors shall submit themselves for election?

In all the circumstances, and in view of the other urgent demands upon the time of Parliament, the Government have not felt able to propose legislation on this subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is proposed to take any action with regard to the aldermen of county councils, one-half of whom normally go out of office in March next; and whether, in view of the fact that owing to the War the other half of the aldermen did not go out of office three years ago, arrangements can be made whereby the whole of the aldermen should be renewed next March?

Immediate legislation would be necessary for the purpose indicated in the question, and the Government cannot undertake to bring in a Bill for the purpose.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what was, for the whole Kingdom, the total number of persons on the absent voters' lists in force at the recent General Election; and how many of them actually exercised the franchise?

Information is being collected as to the number of ballot papers issued to absent voters and returned before the count and accepted as valid; the returns from a few constituencies have not yet been received. As soon as the information is complete, I shall be glad to furnish the hon. Member with the information for England and Wales. I will communicate with the Scottish Office and the Irish Office as to particulars for Scotland and Ireland.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can give any statistics as to the amount of work for maternity and infant care set going by local authorities in pursuance of the Board's circulars; whether he can state the number of local authorities which have not taken action entitling them to Grant-in-Aid under these circulars; and what is likely to be the total amount of Grant made during the current financial year?

Local authorities representing 98.25 per cent. of the population of England and Wales are now carrying out schemes for maternity and child welfare. On the 1st instant, 3,038 women were employed as health visitors, and 1,365 maternity and child welfare centres had been established, and a number of other services recommended in the Local Government Board's circulars are being undertaken for the physical welfare of mothers and young children. This work is done chiefly by local authorities, but also by voluntary agencies working with the local, authorities. All the Metropolitan and county boroughs and 59 of the 61 county councils outside London have taken action entitling them to the Grant. The county schemes cover most of the districts in the county which have not adopted separate schemes, but there are still 68 districts, representing 1.75 per cent. of the population, for which action has not yet been taken. It is hoped that these will shortly be covered by the extension of county schemes The Grant-in-Aid of maternity and child welfare, which will be distributed in the current year, is estimated to amount to about £200,000.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can give an estimate of the number of houses which it is proposed by the Government to erect at the national expense and of the average cost of each house to be erected; whether such estimate of number and cost has been prepared; and, if not, whether he will have the same prepared immediately?

The Committee presided over by my hon. Friend the Member for Brightside estimated that about 500,000 houses were needed to make good the shortage of houses in Great Britain. The Government propose to assist the provision of houses by local authorities and public utility societies, and I shall be happy to send my hon. Friend a copy of a circular which the President has issued to local authorities explaining the proposed scheme of financial assistance. It is not at the present time possible, in view of the uncertainty of the cost of labour and materials, to make any close estimate of the cost of the various types of houses which are likely to be erected, but an estimate of the Government contribution during the next financial year towards assisting housing schemes will be circulated with the Estimates shortly to be presented to Parliament.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether an esimate of the cost, including salaries, travelling expenses, and subsistence allowances of officers, inspectors, and clerks, of the Housing Department of the Local Government Board during the next year can be given; and, if not, will he have such an estimate forthwith prepared and, in either case, circulate the estimate with the reply to this question or in other Parliamentary Papers?

The additional staff required for the Housing Department has not yet been finally settled with the Treasury, but a sum of £90,000 is being included in the estimate to cover this service. I hope to circulate later a paper showing the additional staff.

asked the President of. the Local Government Board whether he will give the name of every officer and inspector and the number of clerks who is or has or have been, during the last three months, employed or serving in the Housing Department of the Local Government Board in London and in the country, together with the rate of yearly salary paid to each officer and inspector and the total rate of yearly salaries paid to the clerks?

The following are the particulars asked for:

Office.	Name.	Salary.
Controller of Housing	Mr. Dickinson	1,100
Assistant Controller	Mr. Forber	1,000
Finance Officer	Mr. Davidge	700
Inspectors and Architects	Mr. Unwin	900
	Mr. Pepler	700
	Mr. Collin	560
	Mr. Leonard	560
	Mr. Clifton	560
	Mr. Eyles	520
	Mr. Stewart	520
	Mr. Clapham	520
	Mr. Fawkner	500
	Mr. Bethnam	500
	Mr. Greenall	500
	Mr. Spoor	500
	Mr. Chappell	500
	Mr. Yale	500
	Mr. Saul	500
	Mr. Robertson	500

The clerks (including first and second division and assistant and temporary clerks) have numbered forty-one, with salaries amounting to about £4,600 (exclusion of war bonus).

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state the number and designations of borough and local councils in the United Kingdom to sit on which clergymen and ministers of religion are at present disqualified by law?

Clerks in Holy Orders and the regular ministers of dissenting congregations are by Section 12 (1) (b) of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1882, disqualified for being councillors of municipal boroughs in England and Wales, of which there are 328. I am not in possession of the corresponding information for Scotland and Ireland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the amount of wine of Australian origin imported into the United Kingdom in the years 1913 and 1917, respectively; whether, in view of the importance of the British market to Australian wine producers and of the demand for Australian wine among a large class of consumers in this country, tonnage facilities for the importation of Australian wine on an increasing scale can now be provided; and, if so, on what date an approximation to the amount of pre-war imports may be expected?

The imports for the years 1913 and 1917 were 624,000 gallons and 290,000 gallons respectively. Now tonnage is more freely available the imports will shortly be increased, but the probable date of restoration of the pre-war level will depend on the demands made on available freight space by food and essential raw materials.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of the wine industry to our French Allies and of the value to them of the normal sale of French wines in the British market, and in consideration of the fact that French wines of the lighter sort are not to any appreciable extent a cause of drunkenness in this country, he will inquire into the causes which at present restrict the supply and inflate the prices of light French wines in the British market and take steps to provide that reasonable adequate supplies of such wines at reasonable prices shall be made available for British consumers?

I will cause inquiry to be made. A general licence has been issued for the importation of light wines and I know of no restrictions in the way of their use.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that residents in some parts of London find it impossible to get the coal to which they are entitled delivered; and what action, if any, he proposes to take?

As stated in the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Southwark Central, the dislocation of supplies of coal to London arises mainly from losses of output at the collieries, this being due to labour troubles. The position has been aggravated somewhat by the congestion due to the stoppage last week on some railways in South London. Until last week the outstanding orders for coal were about one week's trade and even after the dislocation they only amount to ten days' trade. As I stated yesterday steps have been taken to meet the temporary difficulty, and except that preference will be given to the delivery of small quantities, there should be no difficulty in dealing with consumers' demands.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is unrest at Cardiff and Bristol Channel shipping circles owing to the number of Chinese seamen being engaged to the exclusion of British seamen; and if he will take immediate steps to repatriate these Chinese and give preference of employment to those British seamen who have been demobilised and want employment?

No reports have reached the Board of Trade with regard to the unrest referred to in the question, but I am making inquiries into the matter and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend as soon as practicable.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that the last published annual Report of the State un- employment insurance scheme relates only to the year ending 31st March, 1913; and whether a Report for the live years ending 31st March last will be issued at an early date?

The last published Report Dc. 6965, on the administration of Part II. of the National Insurance Act, 1911 (Unemployment Insurance), deal with the year ending July, 1913. A further Report would, in the ordinary course, have been issued in the latter part of 1914, but its preparation was suspended owing to the outbreak of the War, and the great pressure of work on the staff of the Department has so far allowed no opportunity for putting it in hand again. The hon. Member will, I am sure, appreciate that the preparation of the Report which he desires must give way to the urgent work falling on the Department in connection with demobilisation, but I am considering whether it may not be possible to issue a brief Report giving the most important of the facts and figures.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is still necessary to subject the customers of the Post Office, with regard to Money Order and Savings Bank business, to the losses involved in the refusal to recognise halfpennies or farthings, seeing that the Post Office charges odd halfpennies in its telegraph business?

I do not think the refusal to recognise fractions of a penny in Money Order and Savings Bank transactions gives rise to any appreciable inconvenience. An odd halfpenny can be remitted by means of a stamp with an Inland Money Order. When an odd halfpenny occurs in calculating interest on Savings Bank deposits it is carried forward till another occurs in a subsequent year. Any change in the present practice would cause considerable additional labour.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has under consideration the desirability of permitting the holders of deposit accounts in the Post Office Savings Banks to enjoy the advantages of drawing cheques on their accounts and of having moneys paid to the credit of their accounts by other than the holders thereof at any post office in the United Kingdom, in the same way as is permitted in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Japan, and other countries?

The conditions in the United Kingdom are different from those prevailing in the countries named. The banking system is more widely extended and cheques and postal orders are in general use for remittance purposes. I doubt if there would be much scope or demand for a postal cheque system, especially as it would be necessary to charge relatively high fees to cover the extra cost of administration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the large number of losses of clothing and other personal articles which have taken place from the retiring rooms and cloak rooms used by the Post Office staff; whether he is aware that it is impossible for the staff to carry wet coats and umbrellas with them during their working hours; whether adequate safeguards and accommodation are provided; whether, having regard to the severity of the losses to many of the employés concerned, he will admit responsibility for the safe custody of clothing which has to be left in cloak rooms; and whether he will take immediate and adequate steps to safeguard the staff from loss, and to detect the offenders?

My attention has been called to this matter and the whole question, which is a difficult one, has received my careful consideration on more than one occasion. It is the policy of the Department to provide adequate safeguards, as far as possible, in the shape of suitable lockers for the clothing and other property of the staff, but it has not been possible to complete the supply of these receptacles owing to war conditions. All practicable steps are being taken to detect offenders; but there are serious objections to any general assumption of responsibility on the part of the Post Office in the matter.